Game call mandrel

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bsshog40

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When I am able to start turning again, I was wanting to turn a couple duck calls. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good mandrel these? I had ordered a couple calls and a bushing set but didn't know I needed a mandrel. I don't care for that double bushing setup. Just want something that is quality and will last in case I do more in the future. Thanks for any help.
 
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bugradx2

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I think Craft Supplies has one, I'd actually love to know what you find that works as I'd like to try and turn a couple before I have need of them again in October
 

Edgar

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Check out Hut Products. They make several call turning mandrels. I think that most of what you find at other sites are made by Hut.
 

bsshog40

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I think Craft Supplies has one, I'd actually love to know what you find that works as I'd like to try and turn a couple before I have need of them again in October
Ya, I was looking at these. They seem pretty good.
 

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dogcatcher

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Buy a real mandrel like these.
 

Kenny Durrant

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I use one from Web Foot. They're like the one Dogcatcher listed above. You need a collet chuck but they are solid and do a great job. I use a tapered tailstock when turning it round but once that's done I leave the end open. It's really easy to flip the blank when the final turning and finishing is being done.
 
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I like the one from chef ware kits below. It is the one I use when doing demos or just making calls. It does not require anything extra to use other than hex key for screw. The mandrel holds very well and the body of the mandrel is smooth so it will not scratch up or damage the blank. You can tap it into place tightly with a mallet, compression from tail stock or even use a threaded rod if you really wanted too. I will use the tail stock to tighten it all down when rounding the blank but pull it away when shaping.

Chefware sells different sized mandrels for different calls and I find their design to be better overall. Over tightening on any of them can crack the blank though, it is really frustrating to say the least when that happens. Great mandrel, I get the duck call inserts from Echo Calls.

 

cl1237

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Ya, I was looking at these. They seem pretty good.
I have one of these that I used for a few grunt and crow calls. If I had to do it again, I would get a mandrel that allows the set screw to be adjusted with a screw driver rather than a wrench like the craft supplies one.
 

bsshog40

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Buy a real mandrel like these.
I like that one also. They are out of stock right now for the 5/8" ones.
 

bsshog40

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I like the one from chef ware kits below. It is the one I use when doing demos or just making calls. It does not require anything extra to use other than hex key for screw. The mandrel holds very well and the body of the mandrel is smooth so it will not scratch up or damage the blank. You can tap it into place tightly with a mallet, compression from tail stock or even use a threaded rod if you really wanted too. I will use the tail stock to tighten it all down when rounding the blank but pull it away when shaping.

Chefware sells different sized mandrels for different calls and I find their design to be better overall. Over tightening on any of them can crack the blank though, it is really frustrating to say the least when that happens. Great mandrel, I get the duck call inserts from Echo Calls.

I like this one also. It's like my pen mandrel, just pop it in the headstock and go. Another out of stock again. Lol
 

bsshog40

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Well it looks like everything I've searched, including the links above, all are sold out. I went ahead and just ordered one of the woodmasters from craft supplies that I pictured above. I like that Brookside that dogcatcher showed and may keep checking back for those to get in stock again. The woodmaster should do me for a little while anyway. Thanks for the help y'all!
Bobby
 

rherrell

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Breakheart Tool is out of business, it's a shame because they made quality stuff.
Hit me up in a few weeks if you still need a mandrel.
 

Wayne

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Completely overlooked these mandrels in my post.

 

bsshog40

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So just an update. I got one of those woodmaster mandrels from craftsupplies. It works good but it has one major con for me. I want to be able to loosen the mandrel so I can bring the end of my work out and be able to detail the ends. With this needing to use a wrench to tighten, it makes it unable to work the ends. Gonna have to find some thin flat pliers or a flat tool of some kind to be able to reach in and tighten.
To add, tried a small pair of needle nose pliers that will work.
 
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bugradx2

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So just an update. I got one of those woodmaster mandrels from craftsupplies. It works good but it has one major con for me. I want to be able to loosen the mandrel so I can bring the end of my work out and be able to detail the ends. With this needing to use a wrench to tighten, it makes it unable to work the ends. Gonna have to find some thin flat pliers or a flat tool of some kind to be able to reach in and tighten.
To add, tried a small pair of needle nose pliers that will work.
thanks for reporting back. would love to hear how it goes after a couple more calls get made too
 

bugradx2

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So I'd love to know if any of you have continued to make calls this summer and how it went? I have a composite blank that I bought this spring just for a goose call that still tempts me when I go in the shop.
 

bsshog40

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So I'd love to know if any of you have continued to make calls this summer and how it went? I have a composite blank that I bought this spring just for a goose call that still tempts me when I go in the shop.
I'm having to wait til it gets cooler weather. My shop is not insulated and average temps in it have been about 107 dg. Lol Hopefully fall comes soon, I've been itching to get in my shop and work.
 

bugradx2

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I'm having to wait til it gets cooler weather. My shop is not insulated and average temps in it have been about 107 dg. Lol Hopefully fall comes soon, I've been itching to get in my shop and work.
ooff!!! That really makes me appreciate having a basement for my shop! (Chicago area, it's gotta have heat several months of the year)
 
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